HOCKEY: ALDERLEY Edge men’s first team opened their North Hockey league campaign in style, thumping Sheffield-based Chapeltown 5-2.

Chapeltown started brightly and were awarded three back-to-back penalty corners, a complex passing move resulting in Riley making a save but the rebound was struck high into the net.

Alderley bounced straight back and McGoun caused problems in the opposition defence, drawing the keeper and Joe Gregory flicked the ball in for the equaliser. Alderley then began to dominate, with Sam Gregory causing real problems.

Alex Morgan neatly finished a corner routine but Alderley’s momentum was halted by two sin-binnings. Soon after Gregory increased the lead, finishing a fluid move and Julian Scarsbrook made it four before half-time when he converted another penalty corner.

The second half was more open, Alderley squandering several chances but looking far more comfortable in defence.

Both sides had a spell with 10 men, and Alderley’s fifth goal came when Adam Wildig converted Morgan’s reverse stick cross with a diving finish. There was just time for Chapeltown to grab a late consolation.

Alderley look forward to welcoming additional players in the next week.